Record Reviews

SHAKE KEANE ~ THAT`S THE NOISE VOCALION 8408 (Barcode: 765387840822) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1967 Released: 2005 Trumpeter / composer Shake KeaneFind albums by this artist was born in St Vincent (West Indies) and emigrated to Britain in the early 1950s. His superb tone and total control of his instrument was immediately recognized and the local music scene immediately absorbed him, providing plenty of opportunities for him to play in a variety of styles. By the end of the 1950s Keane almost completely to playing Jazz and became one of the spearheading figures of the British modern / free Jazz. He was a member of the pioneering group led by saxophonist Joe HarriottFind albums by this artist, with whom he recorded some of the most pivotal early European free Jazz. He was also a member, together with Harriott, in the groups led by pianist Michael GarrickFind albums by this artist. Keane’s prime interest was actually in poetry and literature, which gave him his nickname, as short for Shakespeare. Playing with Garrick, he participated in the Jazz & Poetry scene, which of course was only appropriate for his field of interest. Keane left Britain in the late 1960s, first to Germany and later returning to his native island, where he became a government minister of culture. He continued his literary work and published works of prose and poetry. A few years before his death in 1997 he returned to his musical activities and even recorded new albums. Strangely enough, in the midst of his activity in the Avant-Garde Jazz field, Keane recorded a few solo albums, which present another side of his musical personality. These albums could be considered as belonging to the “lighter” side of Jazz, where Keane mostly played adaptations of Pop songs of the period. This album is one of these, and although at the time it was criticized as being a “sell-out”, in retrospect it is a real gem. Keane does use a set of Pop songs (BeatlesFind albums by this artist, Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist, DonovanFind albums by this artist and others) as the basis, but the clever and unusual arrangements and his phenomenal improvisational skills turn these songs inside out and the overall effect is truly spectacular. A couple of his original compositions are also included and one more by his partner Joe Harriott. He leads a splendid sextet with Bob EffordFind albums by this artist – sax, Olaf VasFind albums by this artist – flute, Pat SmytheFind albums by this artist – piano, Coleridge GoodeFind albums by this artist – bass and Bobby OrrFind albums by this artist – drums (Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist plays piano on three tracks), which plays elegantly and effortlessly. I had a real ball listening to this uplifting music. Easy Jazz? Perhaps, but who cares, when it sounds as good as this.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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